MFB Crush: Rachel Sayumi by Tiffany

I LOVE reading Rachel Sayumi!! She's very beautiful, down to earth, and friendly. I love reading her posts on her engagement, her marriage, and now her new life as a Mrs. She isn't afraid to be herself and to share what she loves on her blog. Go check her out!! :)

How did you come to choose your blog name? Any special meaning?
Well, my name is Rachel Sayumi Porter. I stated my blog before I was married, so I just dropped my last name, and used Rachel Sayumi as my ‘internet name’. I’ve had a blogging identity crisis a few times, meaning I have switched my blog name like… three too many times, haha! But Rachel Sayumi is special to me, because I am half Japanese. My middle name always makes me think of my heritage, my family, and Japan. I love Japan so much! I never want to lose touch with that side of myself :).

When did you first fall in love with fashion? What was it that interested you?
I think I have always loved clothes. In high school, I would tend to go to Target or the mall, and walk around a lot, just admiring clothes. I would usually wear a cute shirt with jeans or whatever, but I definitely became more “fashion conscious” my sophomore year of college. I feel like I’ve always dressed fine, but now I actually really enjoy it. I love mixing and matching clothes, trying out trends, and shopping for key items that are versatile with my wardrobe!

Where do you hope to see you, your family, and your blog in five years?
My husband, Justin, plans on attending grad school, so we still have some of that ahead of us! I will hopefully land a good job, and just work to support him through school. I’m sure within 5 years we will have at least one lil baby :). With my blog, I hope to keep on expanding my personal style. My husband actually gave me a sewing machine for Valentine’s day, and I’m taking a sewing class in the fall. So I hope to do some refashions and tutorials! Maybe even learn to make some pretty clothes or jewelry, and open up an Etsy shop or something. That would be a dream!

What is your spouse's style like?
My husband is so cute! He dresses really well. He’s not a big fan of the baggy T-shirts and gym shorts look (unless we’re lounging), which makes me happy because he is sooo handsome dressed up! When he dresses up, he will wear a tailored collared button-up tie with fitted pants. If it’s cold, a sweater over that. When it’s warmer and we are in a casual setting, he wears his clothes from PacSun. They have some nice shirts in awesome colors. You’ll see his style from time to time on my blog :).

Who/What/Where do you draw from for your fashion inspiration?
Other bloggers and Pinterest. I've never been one to copy magazine outfits much (those are usually a little too crazy, and look silly in real life..), but I love bloggers and Pinterest. The outfits I see there are so much more relate-able, and doable! I'm usually drawn to patterns and color schemes. If I see a color combination or pattern I like, it inspires me and makes me want to put together a similar outfit!

What are some key pieces in your closet that tie your wardrobe together? What can't you live without?
Oh man! I definitely have quite a few key pieces! Some include: White button up collared blouse, dark wash skinny jeans, white v-neck shirt, striped shirt, peplum shirt, nude heels, and tons of pencil skirts, haha! With those few items, I’m able to mix and match with the rest of my closet. They are great!

If you carry a makeup bag, what is in it?
I don’t really carry a makeup bag, but in my purse I will ALWAYS have Burt’s Bee’s, Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush lipgloss, Covergirl lipstick, bobby pins and a hair tie, and a little travel perfume. Oh, and a mirror. These are all perfect for a quick touch-up on the go!

What is your nighttime face routine?
It’s nothing special—But I ALWAYS wash my face off. I feel gross if I don’t! I use Pond’s make-up wipes. They are amazing! I have only been using them for the past month or so, but my face has been so much clearer because of them. After wiping the makeup off, I wash my face with St. Ive’s Apricot Facial Scrub. Then I always put lotion on my face after!

Do you face any challenges in keeping your style authentic? If so, how do you deal with them?
This is a great question!! I feel that in the fashion world, everyone tends to copy each other. And I honestly don't think it's bad! Trends come up, and everyone wants to experiment. That doesn't necessarily make your style unauthentic-- it's all about the execution. If I see a style or outfit I love, and decide to copy it, I always make sure to give credit to who/what inspired me, and of course, I add my own twist to it. I don't like copying piece-by-piece someone else's outfit. I'll mix and match different jewelry, I'll add something funky, etc. Even if you credit them at this point, it's so boring because it's already been done! If you are going to copy someone, I think it's important to take your own interpretation of the outfit, and make it authentic in that way!